hard-and-fast

[hahrd-n-fast, -fahst] / ˈhɑrd nˈfæst, -ˈfɑst /

ADJECTIVE

strict

Synonyms

WEAK

absolute binding carved in stone compulsory conclusive decisive dictated exacting final inflexible irrevocable mandatory set set in concrete unalterable unbending written

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

There are no hard-and-fast rules about when a place name or other traditional description attached to a product becomes generic.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

This is why the broadcast limit is not really a hard-and-fast limit.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

It’s not a hard-and-fast rule because that would be wrong too.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2026

I’m not necessarily sold on hard-and-fast rules when it comes to age; it also depends on your risk tolerance, expected longevity and how long you intend to work.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 11, 2025

Unfortunately, there’s no hard-and-fast rule that tells you how to form the plural of every word that ends in o.

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner

hard-and-fast

Example Sentences

Related Words